Before running off to spend some green, think green and bring reusable shopping bags.

Green Yule log

What is heating the hearth this holiday season? This year, stop and think before buying expensive packs of pre-chopped wood from healthy trees or burning synthetic logs. Instead, pick up a pack of pine logs from bark beetle-killed trees.

Compost holiday leftovers

As the family sits down and enjoys holiday dinner, consider composting the leftover food. Pre-consumer composting includes composting items such as raw vegetables, fruits, egg shells and coffee grinds.

Reusable shopping bags

Before running off to spend some green, think green and bring reusable shopping bags. Plastic bags from stores are very harmful to the environment. Reusable bags also are typically not clear, which comes in handy when trying to sneak gifts home.

Spreading green cheer

Be a green advocate. When visiting family and friends, share energy-saving tips with them. Simple actions such as turning off lights in unoccupied rooms, unplugging battery chargers and powering off computer monitors can make a difference in energy savings.

LED holiday lights last longer and can save up to 80 percent on electricity costs over standard lights.

LED lights

If the house is already aglow this year with holiday lights, consumers can shop the after-Christmas sales to stock up on LED lights for next year. LED holiday lights last longer and can save up to 80 percent on electricity costs over standard lights.

Canning

There is a simple way to decrease food waste by canning and preserving food. Different types of food – especially fruits and vegetables – can be canned. Preserving and canning can reduce the waste of vegetables used in dinner and fruit used in pies.

Honey sweetener

Use local honey during the holiday season. Honey can be used as a sweetener and if bought locally, the hometown economy is supported.

Buy local

Instead of buying gifts for family and friends from a chain store, purchase one-of-a-kind gifts from a local shop.

Games by candlelight

For family bonding, turn off the TV and lights and play a board game via candlelight.